24 November 2008 - Steve Lawson - © Hellmail Postal News

Royal Mail and British Forces Post Office (BFPO) have today forecast a significant rise in volumes of Christmas mail to be sent to troops abroad, with an expected increase of 25% on figures from December 2007. Official statistics have been released showing the friends and families of British soldiers posted abroad are sending more parcels to their loved ones than ever before, with over 46,000 postbags despatched by the BFPO throughout October, compared to 38,500 in the same period last year.

Personal cards and parcels from loved ones are a huge source of comfort for British servicemen and women posted abroad during the Christmas period, with a message or gift from family helping to close the gap and bring a little bit of home out to the front line.

The last posting dates to ensure delivery to military bases before Christmas are 5th/10th/15th December for Afghanistan/Iraq/All Other Destinations respectively, with Royal Mail gearing up for a late rush in parcels to much missed family and friends.

Lieutenant Cdr Justine Lang, who regularly receives parcels sent to her in Afghanistan from her family said: "To receive a personal gift from my much missed family back home means so much to me, and makes me feel I am still sharing Christmas with them too. There are so many mothers and fathers based out here, and we all love receiving messages from home, it is nice to know we are not forgotten. I miss Keni, Charlotte and Hadyn so much and can’t wait to see them when I return home, this parcels makes me feel that they are out here with me too."

Brigadier Russell Beattie, Director BFPO, Said: "To receive mail from loved ones back home is a terrific morale boost for members of HM Armed Forces deployed to Operational Theatre, none more so that during the festive season. The continued support of Royal Mail and the availability of our award winning e-bluey service, means that communications between Servicemen and women and their families and friends is easier than ever. Christmas mail places an additional load on the BFPO and the Supply Chain and the hard work of postal workers at Royal Mail, BFPO and deployed military Posties alike is applauded. In preparation for this Christmas, BFPO has built an additional building to provide an extra mail processing area, procured additional automation and recruited temporary staff for the Christmas period."

All those sending parcels can help BFPO by ensuring that mail is correctly addressed to a named individual with the BFPO Number being the last line of the address, and that they do not include prohibited items such as aerosols please visit www.bfpo.mod.uk for detailed advice.

Karen Webster, Founder of the charity Support Our Soldiers, recognizes the crucial role that Royal Mail and BFPO plays in the communication of families and serving troops, as well as the great feeling of receiving a friendly letter.

"It’s so important that family members are able to keep in touch with their loved ones serving overseas all year round, and especially so at Christmas which can be a difficult time to be away from home. Royal Mail postal workers and the BFPO facility provide an excellent service in getting letters and parcels through, helping to hugely boost to the morale of our troops."

Royal Mail urges families to always make sure they have packaged their items appropriately and included the correct addressing information, to ensure their delivery arrives safely and quickly.

Recommended UK last posting dates:

Tuesday 23 December UK Special Delivery
Saturday 20 December 1st Class (UK)
Thursday 18 December 2nd Class (UK)

Royal Mail press release.

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